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Ministers ‘ignored’ Heathrow dissent

PUBLIC opposition to Heathrow airport's proposed third runway was far higher than the government ever admitted, according to a Tory analysis of its consultation.

The analysis suggests up to 86% of the people who responded to the government's call for comments were strongly opposed to the runway. The government, however, said only 37% of those who contributed were clearly opposed.

If confirmed, the findings would cast doubts over the consultation, suggesting it was designed to create the appearance of a democratic process when ministers had made their decisions in advance.

The Conservative party has consistently opposed the third runway. Justine Greening, shadow minister for London, said: "These figures show that there was overwhelming opposition and the government systematically ignored it.

"They have prioritised the vested interests of the few rather than the many. It proves that however many members of the public had their say, they were never going to